Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, has filed a defamation lawsuit against media outlet MS Now and its journalists Carol Leonnig and Ken Dilanian. The legal action reportedly stems from a report published in December 2025 that alleged the news organization quoted unnamed sources in reporting false narratives against them. The suit was filed in Nashville, Tennessee’s federal court on Friday, May 29.

According to NBC News, Alexis Wilkins’ attorneys, Kurt Beasley, Jason C. Greaves, and Jared R. Roberts alleged that the defendants, Carol Leonnig and Ken Dilanian “falsely asserted that Ms. Wilkins demanded, and Director Patel ordered, that federal agents assigned to her security detail—which did not even exist at the time—escort an intoxicated friend home after a ‘night of partying.’”

The filing further stated that even though it knew Wilkins doesn’t drink, it misinterpreted her as being drunk. Additionally, her attorneys claimed that the false representation of their client, an actress and singer, was “highly offensive,” and that anyone in a similar situation acting with ordinary judgment would find it offensive.

It has also been stressed that their client’s “professional identity” is that of a “responsible, sober young woman.” The lawyers argued that the wrong representation had “directly and proximately caused” the singer to suffer humiliation and real harm to her professional image, reputation, and position within the community.

Wilkins’ lawsuit insists that she is “sober” and that she “very rarely drinks, if ever.” As part of the legal action, Wilkins is seeking a jury trial and more than $75,000 in damages.

It is worth mentioning that the disputed article authored by Dilanian and Leonnig, published by MS Now in 2025, quoted three people with knowledge of the incident, claiming that Kash Patel ordered the security team protecting his girlfriend to escort one of her friends to her home, who was reportedly intoxicated after a night of partying in Nashville on multiple occasions.

Wilkins’ lawyers noted that the disputed does not allege that Wilkins drank but argued that it was the exact perception the defendants allegedly created and communicated, and that an average reader of the publication would likely interpret the reporting in that way.

Meanwhile, in an official statement, MS Now‘s President Rebecca Kutler insisted that they maintain a strong position over their reporting and, as a “general matter of practice,” refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal matter. Additionally, the disputed article also quoted FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson, insisting that the story was “made up” and claimed that such an incident hadn’t taken place.

On the other hand, the NBC News report also notes that two of Wilkins’ attorneys also serve as Kash Patel’s legal representative in a separate lawsuit against The Atlantic involving an article published in April claiming that he has a habit of excessive drinking. However, the lawyers alleged that the reporting was a “sweeping, malicious and defamatory hit piece.”

Meanwhile, an Atlantic spokeswoman at the time defended their report on Patel and reiterated that they will “vigorously defend” themselves and their journalists against a “meritless lawsuit.”